Group I continues to prove unpredictable, but as Moldova welcome Israel to the Zimbru in Chisinau on the 5th of September, the stakes could not be higher. Moldova, still searching for their first point in these qualifiers, face an Israeli side hungry to keep pace with group leaders Norway. Both squads are under new managerial direction compared to recent qualifiers — Serghei Clescenco aiming to galvanise Moldova, while Ran Ben Shimon tries to imprint his mark on an already assertive Israel side. One intriguing subplot here: this is arguably Moldova’s last stand to keep their World Cup dream alive, while Israel know that another slip could open the door for Italy or Estonia.
Much will depend on Moldova’s creative linchpin, Ion Nicolaescu, who despite the team’s struggles still manages to conjure moments of danger. Israel will look to Oscar Gloukh to provide midfield impetus and the forward line with cutting edge. Both carry the hopes of their respective nations and will need to find something special if their teams are to claim the spoils.
Worth noting – Israel have scored at least two goals in three of their last four qualifiers, proving they can break down even the most stubborn defences.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualification 2026, Group I |
| 🏟 Venue: | Zimbru Stadium, Chisinau |
| 🗓️ Date: | 05.09.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:45 CEST |
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Moldova vs Israel prediction
Given the current form and group standings, Israel look primed to take all three points. They’ve claimed two wins from three—holding tight to qualification hopes—with momentum and squad depth on their side. Moldova, by contrast, have struggled in both boxes: just two goals scored and a leaky defence conceding ten in three group games. Add to this Israel’s strong away record and industry in midfield, it’s no surprise the visitors are odds-on favourites.
Expect Israel to press with intent, looking to control possession and force errors high up the pitch. Moldova, meanwhile, will have to remain compact and disciplined — but their susceptibility to conceding early could shape the contest. Israel’s balanced approach, marrying slick midfield passing with clinical finishing, suggests value on the Asian Handicap in their favour. Given both sides’ recent proclivity for yellow cards and physical duels, don’t be shocked if this takes a feisty turn mid-match. Israel tend to shade possession — averaging over 54% in the group — while Moldova have struggled to string passes together, leading to rushed clearances and set-piece concessions.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Israel -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Moldova recent games: The hosts are winless in Group I, conceding ten goals and scoring just twice across three matches. In their last outing, Moldova battled but ultimately fell 0-2 to Italy, showing some defensive resilience but lacking any real threat going forward. Prior to that, a home defeat to Poland (0-2) and the bruising 0-5 reverse against Norway exposed their vulnerability to higher-tempo sides. Moldova’s last five fixtures highlight clear structural issues — a lack of attacking transitions paired with a defence unable to stifle quality opposition. Clescenco’s focus will be on tightening up and hoping for set-piece joy.
Israel recent games: Israel have flown out of the blocks, brushing aside Slovakia 1-0 and seeing off Estonia 3-1 before succumbing to Norway 2-4 in a topsy-turvy clash. Their ability to score in bunches is a major asset, while midfielders like Gloukh and Solomon keep the tempo fast and opponents guessing. Even in defeat to Norway, Israel created enough chances to hint they will trouble any defence at this level. Their balance, tactical discipline, and relatively low card count all suggest a team comfortable in possession and quick in transition.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Moldova | Israel |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 7 |
| Total shots | 22 | 39 |
| Free kicks | 23 | 27 |
| Corner kicks | 15 | 18 |
| Total fouls | 35 | 30 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 77 | 83 |
| Interceptions | 18 | 21 |
| Offsides | 8 | 5 |
🚨Read our full Moldova vs Israel stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Israel the favourite
- Moneyline Moldova 7.40 | Israel 1.48
- Draw 4.30
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.98 | Under 2.5 1.80
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.30 | No 1.55
The bookmakers are clear: Israel are firm favourites, and justifiably so. Their attacking output, combined with Moldova’s defensive frailties, makes the short away price logical. The odds on a draw reflect Moldova’s concrete-in-front-of-goal style, but recent form suggests Israel should break through. Attractive odds for both teams not to score also build on Moldova’s struggles to find the net against higher-ranked opposition.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Moldova possible starting eleven

- GK: Dorian Railean
- DF: Oleg Reabciuk, Veaceslav Posmac, Igor Armas, Alexandru Epureanu
- MF: Artur Ionita, Marius Iosipoi, Vadim Rata
- FW: Vitalie Damascan, Ion Nicolaescu, Mihail Ghecev
Clescenco is likely to lean on experience at the back, with Epureanu marshaling the defence and Reabciuk providing width. Ionita and Rata anchor the midfield, seeking to disrupt Israeli attacks and spark quick counters through the galloping Nicolaescu up front. Expect a pragmatic 4-3-3, prioritising solidity but hoping Damascan and Ghecev can offer rare surges forward.
Israel possible starting eleven

- GK: Omri Glazer
- DF: Eli Dasa, Miguel Vitor, Ofri Arad, Roy Revivo
- MF: Neta Lavi, Gadi Kinda, Oscar Gloukh
- FW: Manor Solomon, Shon Weissman, Tai Baribo
Ben Shimon has options galore, yet his best bet is a dynamic 4-3-3 with Glazer protected by a mix of youth and experience at the back. Gloukh is the creative hub, ably supported by Lavi’s discipline and Kinda’s box-to-box runs. Up front, Solomon and Weissman will stretch the pitch, with Baribo sniffing out chances inside the area. Solomon, in particular, is one to watch — his pace and trickery can turn the contest in a heartbeat.
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Israel. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Israel’s mix of technical guile and physical robustness should see them manage the tempo and capitalise on Moldova’s defensive hesitancy. While upsets aren’t unheard of in these qualifiers, all signs point to a confident away victory — potentially with a margin of more than one goal. Moldova will fight, but their recent form and inability to score regularly makes a positive result unlikely against this well-balanced Israeli outfit.

